Formula E Returns to Sanya for First GEN3-Era Race as 2026 Lianxin Sanya E-Prix Opens Asian Triple-Header

Sanya, China, June 16, 2026: The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is set to return to Sanya for the first time in seven years as the all-electric racing series heads to the Chinese city for Round 10 of the 2025/26 season on June 20.

The 2026 Lianxin Sanya E-Prix marks Formula E’s first visit to the tropical resort destination since 2019 and its debut at the venue in the high-performance GEN3 era. The race will also launch a crucial Asian triple-header that continues with a double-header event in Shanghai.

Formula E Returns to Sanya’s Unique Street Circuit

Located on China’s Hainan Island, Sanya offers one of the most picturesque venues on the Formula E calendar. The 2.52km street circuit features 12 corners and multiple overtaking opportunities, combining challenging urban racing with the city’s famous coastal backdrop.

The circuit previously hosted Formula E in 2019, when double Formula E champion Jean-Éric Vergne produced a dramatic late-race overtake on Oliver Rowland to secure victory.

As a key hub of the Hainan Free Trade Port and one of China’s leading tourism destinations, Sanya is expected to use the global sporting spotlight to showcase its economic, cultural and sustainability ambitions.

Championship Battle Wide Open After Nine Thrilling Rounds

The 2025/26 Formula E season has delivered one of the most competitive campaigns in the championship’s history, with eight different winners emerging across the opening nine races.

The season began with Jake Dennis ending a lengthy victory drought in Brazil before Nick Cassidy claimed Citroën Racing’s maiden Formula E victory in Mexico City.

Subsequent victories for Mitch Evans, Pascal Wehrlein, António Félix da Costa, Nico Müller, Nyck de Vries and Oliver Rowland have kept the championship battle remarkably close heading into Sanya.

Drivers Prepare for Tough Conditions

Jean-Éric Vergne, who won the last Formula E race held in Sanya, believes the circuit’s emphasis on energy management could once again prove decisive.

The French driver noted that while the circuit remains familiar, the championship has evolved significantly since 2019, with stronger competition and vastly different GEN3 machinery.

Meanwhile, Sébastien Buemi highlighted the challenge posed by Sanya’s hot and humid conditions, while expressing enthusiasm about Formula E’s return to China, particularly for Chinese-owned Envision Racing.

China Remains Central to Formula E’s Growth

The Sanya E-Prix reinforces Formula E’s long-standing relationship with China. The championship staged its inaugural race in Beijing in 2014 and has since visited multiple Chinese cities, including Hong Kong, Shanghai and Sanya.

The 2026 season will feature three races in China, underlining the country’s importance to Formula E’s global expansion and the rapidly growing electric vehicle ecosystem.

Sustainability Initiatives Take Centre Stage

Formula E will once again place sustainability at the heart of the event through several initiatives designed to reduce environmental impact and promote community engagement.

The Sanya E-Prix will utilize a diversified energy mix combining local grid electricity and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel to minimize emissions. Organizers are also adopting circular economy principles through rental-based infrastructure, reducing waste associated with temporary event construction.

Additionally, Formula E is launching the “Green Link Sanya” initiative, a youth-led STEM programme aimed at reducing food waste and encouraging sustainable living practices among local communities. The event will also host a Community Tour programme based on the FIA Girls on Track framework, providing behind-the-scenes motorsport experiences for 250 local students and parents.

Race Schedule

The 2026 Lianxin Sanya E-Prix will take place on Saturday, June 20, with the race scheduled to start at 15:05 local time.

As the championship enters a pivotal phase of the season, Sanya could play a crucial role in shaping the Formula E title battle before the series continues its Asian campaign in Shanghai.